Description

When applied to people, the term 'absolutist' is far from flattering. However, when applied to the Storck Absolutist/SRAM Force Complete Road Bike, it begins to make perfect sense. Why? Because its uncompromising design shatters the boring mold of bicycle manufacturing.

Starting with the carbon fiber itself, the Absolutist was constructed from Storck's own uni-directional carbon fiber. Why uni-directional? Well, compared to a woven carbon fabric, uni-directional carbon is oriented as it sounds, with one direction, or on one axis. And while this makes the production process incredibly complex in regards to both load path and force direction determination, the payout is worth it to Storck. You see, compared to woven layups, uni-directional fibers tend to better stiffen frames, while also improving vibration dampening. And, this is achieved at a much lower overall weight. However, Storck was far from finished in any of these regards.

Let's approach the Storck layup process in a short series of steps. First off, Storck begins the design with 3D CAD imaging. This digital process provides Storck with the precise data and dimensions necessary for the development of the mold. From there, the CFR/UD fibers are soaked in resin and hand-placed into the computer-generated mold. Once placed in the mold, the fibers are heated and pressed into place with an air channeling tool. Afterwards, the fibers are smoothed over by hand, ensuring an unprecedented level of preciseness and detail to the layup.

To add even more rigidity to the frame, Storck wrapped the molded uni-directional fibers with its proprietary woven carbon fibers. Essentially, these differ from uni-direction in that the fibers are oriented on two or more axes. Like it sounds, the fibers are woven, almost like a knit, and accordingly, the fibers handle flexural and tensile loads on multiple axes harmoniously as a collective. So, in even simpler terms, ask yourself a question: What's stronger, a rope or an unwoven collection of rope fibers? In its application, this theory proves to supply more impact resistance, durability, and more importantly, a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio. In fact, through both independent and in-house testing, the Absolutist is proven to have a stiffness-to-weight ratio directly on par with the Aernario, placing well above the market zeitgeist.

It's worth noting that the Absolutist is, in fact, molded in a monocoque. This means that the frame is comprised of specific modulus carbon fibers throughout the frame, or in other words, it features a one-piece molded construction. This eliminates excess weight by requiring less carbon and resin application at the tube junctures of the frame. As a result, the frame only tips the scales around 1050 grams.

Moving into frame specifics, you'll find a massive PressFit 86 bottom bracket juncture that efficiently transfers power to the rear triangle. And not surprisingly, we see the reoccurring theme at work again of increased weight reduction coming as a result of increased power transfer. At the seatstays, Storck gracefully originates them from a solid box-section above the brake caliper. And again, this results in increased comfort via vertical compliance, however, it also directly equates to a higher level of lateral rigidity. Additionally, you'll find that the Absolutist is one of the most painstakingly rider-tuned frames on the market. This is due, in part, to Storck's proportional tubing concept, where every frame size uses adapted dimensions, wall thickness, tube diameter, and tapering to ensure the exactly intended ride quality regardless of size. Rounding out the construction is the frame's defining feature, internal cable routing.

For the fork, Storck incorporated its latest iteration of the trend-setting and award winning Stiletto, the Stiletto 340. The first version of the Stiletto was introduced in 1999, and was widely hailed as the lightest fork on the planet. And while the Stiletto Light only tipped the scales at 280 grams, the 340 gram Stiletto found here is still lighter than most of the featherweight, aftermarket forks. The 340 features a tapered design that's been mated to a carbon reinforced heat tube and a 1-1/8 - 1-1/4 inch integrated headset.

As for the build, the Absolutist has been spec'd with a full SRAM Force group set. And to ensure that you'll be able to climb over anything, it also features a 50/34t Force crankset and a 12-26 SRAM PG-1050 cassette. On cockpit duty, you'll find Zipp Service Course stem, seatpost, and bars, topped off with Arundel cork tape and a Selle Italia SL kit Carbonio saddle. Rounding out the build, Mavic's Aksium clincher wheelset provides a stiff interface between the Absolutist and the road.

Altogether, these technologies, paired with an unrelenting dedication to hand-built perfection, create a frame that's balanced, lightweight, compliant, and most importantly, fast.

The Storck Absolutist/SRAM Force Complete Road Bike is available in the color Blue/white/carbon and in five odd sizes from 51 to 63cm. Please note that this frame features a PressFit 86 bottom bracket, a 36.6mm seatpost collar, and a CNC-machined aluminum derailleur hanger.